Video runtime: 4 1/2 minutes.
Although the media has been alluding to the idea that the economy is turning upward, the continual rise of unemployment seems to paint a different picture. However, this post is not a political one. This article is a call for help, and you are the only person that can answer that call. Are you sick of me telling you that you need to use your God-given talents to save the Church? Well, guess what… I am sick of saying it! But if you are tired of my ideas on how to tithe your time, what if I were to ask you to use your talents to save your neighbor’s life?
Photo by Mr. Kris
We Are Not Alone
Today, more than ever, people are in need of the skills that you possess. Rather than just giving money – which is great – why not invest in your neighbor? Help them to bring about a career change, make better financial decisions, or just give them the loving attention that comes from someone willing to help them to beat their current situation.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0ViW-Wfxg0[/youtube]
Resources for Unintentional Entrepreneurs
If you, or someone you know, has lost their job – here are some resources that you can use to help get you started on a path of creating your own business, and developing your own brand.
- The Unintentional Entrepreneur – Good writings and a good community for new entrepreneurs. You’ll have to dig a little bit, but it’s worth it.
- Gary Vaynerchuk’s lecture on social media – A great talk on how you can use social media to build your brand and your business. He’s a little crass, but it’s true.
- Elance – Use the talents that you had at your job to earn some money online. (This is not a good way to start a full fledged business though)
- Craigslist – Post services or reply to gigs (which is good side job money). I scored $125 bucks on my first gig that didn’t take much time. Of course, you got to be careful with Craigslist. There were a lot of little old ladies that got free tech support out of me over the phone.
- Brazen Careerist - An awesome entrepreneur community. This network has been extremely beneficial in my growth as an entrepreneur. You need to be on this network.
The Economy Will Change When You Change It
Don’t be afraid to help your neighbor. They need you, their family needs you, and God needs you to step up and share your gifts. A friend of mine called me today (he is a senior in high school) and asked me to help him find a job to help support his education and family. Times are not as they used to be. It is no longer about just donating money, it is about donating yourself to others who need you.
Business, Career, charity, Education, Ministry, natural talents, small business, talent, Work
abercius24
October 22, 2009 at 9:54 amBrilliant, my friend! I've been thinking about this very same thing myself. And you know what one of the big problems is? People don't ask for help. Everyone must have a job to survive, but they act like its something they themselves must procure alone or else they are less of a human being. People need to stop being so cavalier; eat crow and start asking others to help!But, as you point out, we all aren't doing enough. Most of us will put a resume into HR at work for our friends, but that's usually the limit. But what about talking to the hiring managers and getting them interested in our unemployed friends' resumes. What about getting a soft copy of our friends' resumes and submitting them for related jobs on the internet? Who says you are the only one that can apply for a job for you? Especially today with the anonymity of the internet.So my recommendations, be much more proactive in leveraging technology for each other and don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone who says they did it on their own IS A LIAR! Nobody succeeds alone.
Dean Soto
October 22, 2009 at 4:16 pmThanks Steve! It's all pride, especially for men. On both sides of the coin, too. What I mean is that those who do not have jobs tend to find it humiliating and embarassing to ask for help, while the ones who do have jobs and skills often try and keep their skills to themselves in order to make themselves more marketable, or just to feel superior. Those are awesome ideas you present! It is charity to help your friends throw resumes around and talk to hiring managersa. Especially with sites like LinkedIN becoming popular, why not write recommendations for your friends? You are spot on, my friend!